I am the primary caregiver for my 93-year-old mother. It began as a 6-to-8-month project manager role for a home renovation project in 2011 and evolved into a full-time caregiver role. I must admit, although gratifying, this journey hasn't been a walk in the park. In fact, I would dare say it's been more akin to an awakening.

Through this adventure I have learned much about self, discovered suppressed familial dynamics, and, unearthed valuable local, state, and regional resources. Most importantly, this new chapter in my life helped me to recognize the need to hear other stories that may help to enlighten others as they travel along this rocky path known as "parental caregiving." It has also caused me to recognize the need for medical advocates for elders and others who are unable to adequately navigate the healthcare system or fully understand the treatment plans developed by their medical professionals.

The African American community has a history of caring for family members in need of assistance due to mental health issues, financial troubles and, most especially, aging parents. Culturally, we are predisposed to viewing seniors as our elders and feel it our duty to provide them care as they begin their transition to an afterlife.

Additionally, most African American families are without the financial means to place their loved one in a facility that would provide loving, caring, and adequate services. And some family members, when choosing to place the parent in a nursing home or assisted living facility, may feel a sense of guilt, as though they were abandoning a parent who had sacrificed so much to ensure that the offspring could have a better chance at life.

According to the "National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP Caregiving in the U.S." report published in 2020, about half of African American caregivers feel they had no choice in taking on their role, but the majority find a sense of purpose or meaning in that role. However, this is a role that few are discussing in our community. Rarely do we make advance caregiving plans for aging parents; few of us know where to turn for assistance with mental health or addiction issues; and often we do not have opportunities to share our stories.  

This is a call to past and/or present caregivers of parents, whether due to physical or mental health deterioration or aging, to share their caregiving journey. Some caregiving experiences are joyful, others are challenging, and most are educational. We learn as we go, navigate unknown territories, and emerge transformed in some way.

My goals for publishing this book are: 1) to help caregivers share stories that may memorialize the parent or help the caregiver process the journey; 2) to provide an anecdotal resource for other caregivers that will help them recognize they are not alone on this path; and 3) to share local, regional, or state resources that would be helpful to other caregivers. The working title for the book is "When Black Starts to Crack: Parental Care in the African American Community;" this is your opportunity to process, celebrate, share, and assist in a meaningful way. If you are a caregiver, this collective is for you!

Submissions may be in the form of poetry, a drawing, a letter, or an essay. If you have photos, do not hesitate to share them. Feel free to change or omit names altogether to protect privacy. Submission deadline (extended) is August 31, 2021. Visit our website for additional information.